The Volkswagen Kombi is an icon for a care-free generation of wanderers.

Best known as a symbolic caravan that helped shape - and shift - the hippy movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Microbus (to give it its official title) is now a precious collector's item with original versions selling for six-figure sums.

Coincidentally, it's the same baby boomer generation that once drove them into the ground that is now driving their value into the stratosphere. And yet they're not using them like they used to.

But they don't have to, as Australian campervan company, Trakka, has created a modern alternative that goes well beyond where the Kombi left off.

Is it right for me?

The 450 Sport we're testing here is the second-from-the-top variant in a six-tier Trakkadu range, which starts with the most affordable Trakkadu 340 and is completed by the flagship AT with its all-wheel drive transmission.

All are based on the latest-generation Volkswagen T6 Transporter, with the 450 Sport using the fully-loaded TDI450 long wheelbase van powered by a 150kW/450Nm 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine with a 4Motion all-wheel drive transmission.

It is packed to the gunnels with gear, both from VW and Trakka, making it a perfect getaway vehicle for an adventurous couple or even a small family.

Can I afford it ?

With a drive-away starting price of $135,000, the Trakkadu 450 Sport isn't all that cheap, but, considering what it has inside and that the Volkswagen van at its core will already set you back almost $85k, it is pretty good value. Besides, you won't get an original Kombi in mint condition for anything less these days.

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2018 Volkswagen Transporter TDI340

What do you get for your money?

For starters, you get a classy and competent Volkswagen that is loaded to the gunnels with plenty of mod cons, including climate control, a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen with Apple Carplay/Android Auto connectivity, electric sliding side door, auto headlights and wipers, a reverse camera and adaptive cruise control. Sat nav and digital radio can be added to the multimedia system as optional extras.

From there, Trakka does its magic to transform it into a mini, mobile hotel suite, complete with a pop-top roof with solar panels, swivelling front seats, a sliding seat/bed set-up in the back, a diesel-powered cooktop and hot water system with a 55L fresh water tank and separate grey water storage, high-quality cupboards and drawers with soft touch closing and an electric-powered side awning.

Yep, it's got it all - even a kitchen sink! Oh, and a shower.

How much does it cost to maintain?

The Volkswagen elements are covered by the German brand's credentials with a standard three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (although it is currently available with five years until the end of 2018) and capped-priced servicing schedule for the first five years.

The Transporter requires maintenance every 12 months or 15,000km with the first year costing $485 but rises from there, with a major service at the four-year mark (or 60,000km) costing $1210.

Trakka matches the standard three-year warranty on its components and workmanship while appliances such as the fridge and cooktop are covered by their respective manufacturer.

Is it well built?

The Trakka conversion is just as impressive as the Volkswagen itself, which is already one of the classiest, strongest and best-quality vans in its segment.

First of all, it is staggering the amount of stuff it has managed to pack into the space, and just how convenient and simple it is to use. Everything feels rock solid enough to handle life on the road, and totally secure - with all the drawers and cupboards locking shut, the dining table stowing away behind the driver's seat, the roof latching tightly closed, the awning fully retracting into its recepticle and the swivelling front seats don't move when locked in place while driving.

There's a genuine sense of quality in all the cabinetry, the materials and the components that feels as though it will last a lifetime and, therefore, justify the investment.

What are the Standout features?

There's a lot. But for starters, it offers all you need to live away from home for a while in relative comfort.

The pop-top has a 120W solar charging system that can feed power back into a 125Amp/hr Lithium Ion battery that can provide enough energy for a couple of days, using all of its conveniences, without recharging, which can be done either through the car's alternator while driving or using a 15Amp, five-stage charger via a 240-volt household powerpoint.

It also features a single-source cooktop and hot water system, using the car's diesel fuel to power a small generator (rather than carrying a separate gas bottle), which not only saves space but provides near-instant hot water through either the sink or the shower head in the rear of the vehicle.

What does it have that others don't?

Then there's the full LED lighting throughout the living area - and outside under the awning - that use less power than conventional bulbs and have dimmer switches to alter the brightness.

However, what's really neat is Trakka's integrated window blinds that have fly screens which pull down from the top and privacy blinds that lift up from the bottom, and can be linked together to have a variable combination of both that provides airflow through the cabin and privacy. It even has a full fly screen over the sliding side door. Cool.

How practical is it?

The Trakkadu 450 Sport is like a Swiss Army Knife on wheels, offering more than you'd imagine.

As an everyday car, it isn't too big, too tall or too inconvenient to be used as a regular family wagon with seating for four and plenty of space to handle the surburban run-around. It's also easy to drive and park.

As a weekender for two it is excellent, with a rear seat that folds down into a decent-sized bed, a pop-top roof that allows adults to stand-up inside and plenty of storage spaces for clothes, food, crockery and additional camping gear.

That its footprint can be extended by the retractable awning on the side, and the dining table can be attached to the sliding side door, creates an al fresco eating area, while an annexe that slips over the rear hatchback expands its space further and provides privacy to use the shower.

Is it comfortable?

While it's not the Presidential Suite, the Trakkadu provides a five-star camping experience.

The bed, which measures 195cm long and 125cm wide, is slightly narrower than a conventional double mattress, which makes it snug for a couple but comfy for one. The seatbelts can easily be stowed to the side, and the latches underneath the mattress, for a perfectly flat surface while the three-cushion layout is firm but supportive.

When used as a rear bench seat, it can slide forward in the cabin and the table is located on a rail above the fridge that ensures the space is both flexible and useable. The swivelling front seats are neat too; the passenger being able to face fully rearward while the driver's can move around just beyond 90 degrees.

They are also comfortable when on the road too, with soft cushioning and flip-down armrests in the middle.

Easy in, easy out?

Those seats are perched a little higher than even a large SUV, meaning it takes a bit of effort to climb up into the cabin. But there are grab handles on the A-pillars for both sides to help haul you up.

Getting in the back is a cinch through the wide-opening electric sliding door which can be operated via a button on the dash, the key fob or by simply pulling the door handle.

Space and versatility?

Measuring 5.29m in overall length and 1.9m wide, the Trakkadu 450 Sport isn't any larger than the regular Volkswagen Transporter it is based upon, and the pop-top roof sits relatively low with a total height of 2.06m, meaning it can be easily driven into most underground carparks when stocking up on supplies.

Speaking of which, the 78L fridge is big enough to hold more than just the basics, while three drawers in the sideboard can store plenty of non perishable items and the slide-out crockery set-up holds four plates, bowls and coffee mugs securely.

Then there's a slide-out drawer under the rear seat and a small wardrobe beside the bed for clothing, and enough storage space under the rear bench for camping chairs, containers and any extra gear you need for the journey.

What's the engine like?

Power comes from Volkswagen's tried-and-proven 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, with the 450 Sport offered in its highest state of tune by producing 150kW at 4000rpm and 450Nm of torque on a band of revs between 1400-2400rpm.

It drives all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 3000kg that allows for a 520kg payload above its 2480kg kerb weight. It can also tow a maximum 2500kg with a braked trailer.

How much fuel does it consume?

Volkswagen says the Transporter 450 TDI has an official combined fuel consumption rating of 7.0L/100km in standard trim.

But the Trakka conversion adds almost half a tonne of gear, which will naturally reduce its average consumption as will the disturbed aerodynamics of its pop-top roof and retractable blind.

But it's still reasonably economical as we recorded an average of 9.4L/100km (according to the trip computer) during a weekend getaway to the NSW mid-north coast, ensuring its 80L fuel tank will provide around 800km of driving between re-fills.

In any case, it is more economical than towing a camper trailer behind an SUV.

Is it enjoyable to drive?

This is a machine where the destination is just as important as the journey itself.

And, in both regards, the Trakkadu 450 Sport is amazingly competent.

The Volkswagen van at its core is as refined as you'll find in this class with plenty of pulling power from its turbo diesel engine, a smooth-shfting gearbox and decent ride comfort that is backed-up by the sure-footed security of all-wheel drive in slippery conditions.

Of course, it can't mask the extra weight it is carrying and feels a little more top-heavy in the corners than the standard Transporter. But it steers nicely and comes fitted with electronic stability control to keep it under control. The adaptive cruise control also makes long-distance driving more effortless as it keeps safely maintains a pre-set distance to the vehicle in front.

With only 180mm of ground clearance and road-biased rubber, it won't go that far off the beaten track but will easily cope with unsealed roads to camping grounds. If you want to venture a bit deeper into the Outback than that, the range-topping Trakka AT comes with suspension that is raised by 40mm and has 17-inch wheels fitted with all-terrain tyres.

Does it perform as you expect?

If you love escaping the big smoke every weekend, whether you're a hiker, skier, mountain biker or a surfer, the Trakkadu 450 Sport is a perfect lifestyle accessory, providing a convenient and classy home away from home.

That it can double-up as an everyday runabout only adds to its appeal, making it a Kombi for a new generation. Or for the same care-free baby boomers that made the original an icon and have yet to grow-up, just grown a little older.